What Are The Best Shingles For Your Roof?

Whether its for a repair, replacement, or new roof, you want to make sure you pick the best shingles. If you're not familiar with the different types of shingles that are available, you may be wondering what your options are and which will be right for your home. Each type has its pros and cons, so we're going to take a look at the most common ones so that you can pick the best kind for your situation.

The most common choice is asphalt, as they are fairly affordable and simple to install. They come in a wide range of colors and can fit any style. Tile, metal, and slate are all stylist alternatives to the traditional asphalt shingles, but they are more expensive. Here's some pros and cons of these common shingle types:

Asphalt

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install, easy to replace, looks great on most homes

Cons: Can be vulnerable to wind uplift, can crack

Slate

Pros: Thin material, long lifespan, looks great on older homes

Cons: Heavy overall, difficult installation means higher labor cost

Metal

Pros: Comes in a variety of options (copper, steel, aluminum, tin), very long life span, modern appearance

Cons: One of the most expensive options

Tile

Pros: Helps block heat, reduces energy costs, pest resistant, long lifespan

Cons: Heavier weight

Lifespan

One of the biggest things to think about when picking shingles is how long they are likely to last you. No matter what type of material you choose, they will all need to be replaced eventually. The lifespan of your roof is impacted by several factors, such as weather conditions and climate, although regular maintenance and mild weather can keep your roof in better condition for longer. Depending on the material, you can expect:

• Asphalt: 20 years

• Metal: 50 years

• Slate: 100 years

• Tile: 50 years

Other Factors To Consider

With most home improvement projects, the cost can often make or break things. If you're working with a smaller budget, you'll likely want to look into asphalt shingles. Keep in mind that not only will you have to pay for the materials, but you will also have to factor in installation and labor costs. The slope of your roof can impact what shingles would be best for your home. If your roof has a really steep slope, a heavier material such as clay tiles or slate may not be the best option. Weight limits of your structure should also be taken into consideration.

If you need shingles installed or serviced, reach out to your expert local roofers at 4 Roofs to help identify the right materials for the job, and to have them expertly installed. No matter the project, we've got you covered!